London: One for the taste buds! An Indian-origin woman in the UK has been shortlisted out of 600,000 applicants for the post of Western Australia taste master, described as one of the "best jobs in the world".

Asha Patel, who grew up in Rushey Mead, Leicester, has been shortlisted along with 24 other people for the job that involves "eating your way round the state, foraging out the finest produce and uncovering the best bars and restaurants".

The Australian state's tourism website has described it as "one of the best jobs in the world".

Patel said, landing the job would be "a dream come true". For a self-confessed food addict and travel lover, being paid to research the finest produce and best eateries on the other side of the world must be the absolute dream job.

So Asha is more than a little excited after being shortlisted for the role. More than 600,000 applicants from across the world applied for six positions and just 25 people have now been shortlisted for each role, the Leicester Mercury newspaper reported.

The winners of each will spend six months carrying out the job of their dreams, getting paid USD 50,000 plus USD 50,000 living expenses, for the pleasure.

"I'm really up for adventure and excitement," Asha said. "It would mean everything to me. I was thrilled, ecstatic and a bit overwhelmed when I found out I'd been shortlisted. It's quite different to anything I've ever done before," she said.

Asha works as a freelance writer and photographer in London, but says food is her true love.

While the other five positions, lifestyle photographer, Outback adventurer, park ranger, wildlife caretaker and "chief funster", are all equally amazing jobs, the 30-year-old says she was instantly drawn to the role of taste master.

She said she knew it was for her as soon as she read the job description.

"I'm really passionate about food and have such a love for it," she said.

After applying, Asha was asked to send in a video to show why she would be perfect for the job.